A little reason to celebrate
National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day
Food ยท April 20
A day for pineapple upside-down cake, the butter cake baked over caramelized pineapple rings and flipped so the fruit ends up on top.
National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day falls on Tuesday, April 20, 2027. That is 175 days away.
Pineapple upside-down cake starts at the bottom of the pan. Butter and brown sugar go in first, then rings of pineapple, often with a cherry tucked into each center. The batter is poured over all of it, and after baking the whole thing is turned out onto a plate, fruit side up.
That flip is the moment people remember. A good one lands cleanly, with the sugar turned to a glossy, sticky caramel that soaks a little way into the cake below. A less lucky one leaves a pineapple ring stuck in the pan, which can be pressed back into place with a fork and no one the wiser.
The cake itself is usually a simple yellow or butter cake, soft and plain enough to let the topping do the talking. Many bakers use a cast iron skillet, which holds heat well and helps the caramel form. Others use an ordinary round cake pan. Canned pineapple rings are the familiar choice, and the juice from the can sometimes goes into the batter.
People mark the day by baking one at home, ordering a slice at a diner or bakery, or trying a variation with fresh pineapple, pecans or a spiced batter. It tends to be served warm, sometimes with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The edges, where the caramel runs down and crisps against the pan, are often the first pieces to go.
Ways to celebrate
- Bake a pineapple upside-down cake in a cast iron skillet.
- Try fresh pineapple slices instead of canned rings.
- Share a warm slice with a neighbor or coworker.
- Look for the cake on a local diner or bakery menu.
- Serve a slice with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, April 20 |
| 2027 | Tuesday, April 20 |
| 2028 | Thursday, April 20 |
| 2029 | Friday, April 20 |
| 2030 | Saturday, April 20 |
Also on April 20
Categories: Food days